Laboratory Introduction
The Kundu Lab studies functional microbiomics and stem cells, particularly neuronal and intestinal stem cells. We have recently shown that maternal gut microbiota programs fetal stem cells, revealing mechanisms by which microbial metabolites during pregnancy impact offspring development, long-term health, behavior and disease recovery (Dang et al, Cell Stem Cell, 2025). Additionally, we have uncovered a unique symbiotic mechanism by which colonic crypt microbiota safeguards the host against colorectal cancer initiation (Zhang et al, Nature Microbiology, 2025). We are currently investigating how gut microbiota–stem cell interactions shape complex physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as development, ageing, and cancer. Our hypothesis-driven research employs an integrative systems biology approach, combining gnotobiotic and transgenic animal models, multi-omics, neurosphere/organoid systems, and human cohort studies.
Major Research Projects
1. Influence of maternal gut microbiota on child’s neuronal and intestinal stem cells–link to disease susceptibility later in life.
2. Role of gut microbiome-intestinal stem cell crosstalk in tumorigenesis.
3. Importance of Bacteriophages in modulating the gut microbiome: impact on host stem cells.
Major Contributions
1. We have established the role of maternal microbiota in programming offspring’s stem cells (Dang et al, Cell Stem Cell, 2025).
2. Uncovered the protective role of intestinal crypt microbiota in preventing colonic tumor initiation in the host (Zhang et al, Nature Microbiology, 2025).
3. We have demonstrated the role of gut microbiota in host ageing process (Kundu et al, Science Translational Medicine, 2019).
4. We have established the role of stem cell signaling and microbiota in intestinal tumor initiation (Kundu et al, Science Translational Medicine, 2015; Li et al, Carcinogenesis, 2012).
Representative Publications
1. Zhang S, Peng L, Goswami S, Li Y, Dang H, Xing S, Feng P, Nigro G, Liu Y, Ma Y, Tinglei J, Yang Y, Barker N, Sansonetti S and Kundu P*. Intestinal crypt microbiota modulates intestinal stem cell turnover and tumorigenesis via indole acetic acid. Nat Microbiol. Feb19. doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-01937-5 (2025). Link to the paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39972061/
2. Dang H, Feng P, Zhang S, Peng L, Xing S, Li Y, Wen X, Zhou L, Goswami S, Xiao M, Barker N, Sansonetti S and Kundu P*. Maternal gut microbiota influence stem cell function in offspring. Cell Stem Cell. Feb 6;32(2):246-262.e8. doi:10.1016/j.stem.2024.10.003 (2025). Link to the paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39667939/
3. Kundu P*, Lee H U, Perez I G, Tay X Y, Kim H, Faylon L E, Ann M K, Purbojati R, Moses D, Ghosh S, Nicholson J K, Schuster S, Holmes E and Pettersson S*. Neurogenesis and prolongevity signaling in young germ-free mice transplanted with the gut microbiota of old mice. Sci Transl Med. Nov 13;11(518). doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aau4760 (2019). *Corresponding authors. Link to the paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31723038/
4. Kundu P$,*, Blacher E$,, Elinav E* and Pettersson S*. Our gut microbiome: The evolving inner self. Cell. Dec 14;171(7):1481-1493. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.11.024 (2017). *Corresponding authors, $Equal contribution. Link to the paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245010/
5. Kundu P1, Genander M1, Str..t K, Classon J, Ridgway R A, Tan E H, Bj.rk J, Martling A, Es J V, Sansom O J, Clevers H, Pettersson S and Frisen J. An EphB-Abl signaling pathway is associated with intestinal tumor initiation and growth. Sci Transl Med. Apr 1;7(281):281ra44. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3010567 (2015). Link to the paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25834110/
Open Positions
Lab Manager
Main Responsibilities:
a. Support PI in overall running of the Laboratory.
b. Execute purchase orders, reimbursements, maintain laboratory equipment, and facilitate members of the lab in conducting experiments.
c. Communicate with different groups and departments for example HR, Finance and Purchase departments to support laboratory operations.
d. Communicate with collaborators and facilitate the procurement of biological samples.
e. Maintain logs for chemicals, biological samples and biobank for the laboratory.
Qualifications
a. Bachelor / Master degree in biology or life sciences is required.
b. Excellent communication skills in English and Chinese with good professional ethics, and personality are desired.
c. A strong learning ability, coordination skills and good teamwork spirit are preferred.
d. Experience in biological laboratory procedures and ability to execute laboratory operations are desired.
Welfare Treatment
a. Competitive salary based on the job applicant's work experience and abilities (salary negotiable).
b. Social insurance, paid annual leave, physical examination and supplementary medical insurance, etc.
c. Opportunities for career development and available professional guidance.
How to Apply
Please send a resume, research interest or plan (for postdoc position only), the names and contacts of 2-3 referees and other materials demonstrating research capabilities to paragkundu@cimrbj.ac.cn and indicate the applicant's name and specific job position in the email subject.
Contact person: Dr. Parag Kundu
This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.
10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
010-86738999
cimr@cimrbj.ac.cn
中文
